An Examination of Chronic Pain Coping Strategies and Health Locus of Control among Prison Inmates

Abstract:

The present study evaluated the types of coping strategies for chronic pain implemented
by 88 inmates, and the degree to which these inmates possessed an internal versus external
locus of control. Based on the findings of previous research, it was expected that inmates
would report utilizing passive coping strategies more often than active coping strategies, and
that passive strategies would be associated with poorer adjustment to pain in terms of
depression, pain intensity, and pain interference with daily activities. It was also expected that
inmates would report higher levels of external locus of control beliefs than internal locus of
control beliefs, and that an external locus of control beliefs would be associated with the use of
passive coping strategies. Lastly, it was hypothesized that external locus of control beliefs
would be associated with poorer adjustment to pain in terms of depression, pain intensity, and
pain interference with daily activities. Contrary to hypotheses, inmates in this sample utilized
active pain coping strategies significantly more often than passive pain coping strategies, and
reported a significantly higher level of internal locus of control beliefs than external locus of
control beliefs. As expected, passive pain coping strategies and external locus of control beliefs
were significantly associated with depression, higher rated pain intensity, and increased
interference with daily activities. Finally, ratings of use of passive pain coping strategies were
significantly related to external locus of control beliefs.